13. December 2023

3 Min read

    Contents

      Written by Matthias Gerber

      Market Manager Local Area Networks

      New applications – new requirements

      For example, in connection with the Digital Ceiling, the LAN is increasingly being used for expanded and new applications. These applications demand unusual peak performances from traditional structured LAN cabling. Until now, it has been configured for 10 Gbit/s over 100 meters.

      Above all, it is about networking WLAN access points (WAP) and distributed antenna systems for 5G DAS. These are sporty, bandwidth-hungry applications. WiFi 6 WAVE2 and WiFi 7 require bandwidths above 10 Gbit/s.

      But there are also computing-intensive applications in research and multimedia that can benefit from higher bandwidths.

      • This could be solved elegantly with Cat. 8.1 if it weren’t for the length limit of 24 meters.

      Thinking beyond 24 meters

      Standardization is a way out. The TR11801-9909 defines how Cat. 8.1 cabling can also transfer 25 Gbit/s up to 50 meters.

      Overall, there are three length-dependent performance levels for a Cat. 8.1 installation:

      • 40 Gbit/s up to 24 meters
      • 25 Gbit/s up to 50 meters
      • 10 Gbit/s up to 95 meters

      Variable speed zones and distances in the LAN with Cat. 8.1. Graphic: R&M

      What does this mean for practice?

      Let’s start with the typical distribution of link lengths in structured cabling. In this structure, Cat. 8.1 cabling could make a significant contribution to increasing LAN performance. Areas of application would be office floors and similar areas.

      In a typical office infrastructure with a floor distributor, Cat. 8.1 cabling could serve the majority of workplaces with high-speed LAN:

      • around 20% of workplaces with 40 Gbit/s
      • and around 60% of workplaces with 25 Gbit/s

      In modern buildings, redundant floor distributors are often installed, with correspondingly shorter transmission lengths. Under this concept, the Cat. 8.1 infrastructure could serve more than 50% of workstations with 40 Gbit/s and all others with 25 Gbit/s.

      This is true excellence as it is expected today and tomorrow. With suitable planning, Cat. 8.1 cabling in the LAN can cover the requirements for future data cabling with maximum bandwidth and full backward compatibility.

      Complete Cat. 8.1 solution

      With the Cat. 8.1 system, the R&Mfreenet program offers an RJ45-compatible solution for bandwidths of up to 40 Gbit/s. The complete system comprises connection modules, patch cords and installation cables. It passed the GHMT test. The channel is certified for 40 Gbit/s up to 30 meters and 25 Gbit/s up to 50 meters.

      Our Cat. 8.1 cabling system is mainly used in data centers. An additional area of use is LAN cabling in buildings which require extremely fast data transmission.

      An important prerequisite for the use of Cat. 8.1 in the LAN is the appropriate design. R&M supports customers from the very first step.